Message from Admissions

Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management

As we mark the first day of February, we are looking forward to all the ways our community will connect this month. From watching our students perform in their recorded music nights, the upcoming One Act Plays and, of course, our famous 蜜桃视频 Spirit Week, the students are thrilled to be back and finding creative and safe ways to participate in these fun traditions.  

The Admission team is focused on ensuring our applicant families are feeling well informed and connected to 蜜桃视频 as well in the lead up to Offer Day on February 25, 2022. We have had some great questions from families who are keen to know more about our innovation hub, HC-X. Our Vice Principal of Strategic Innovation & Design, Garth Nichols, has written this letter for you. He would love to connect with any families who have follow up questions, so please reach out. 

Our motto is Vitai Lampada Tradens (which appears in our logo) and translates from Latin to “passing on the torch of life.鈥� On Wednesday, February 16, members of the Class of 2022 and their parents are keen to pass on the 蜜桃视频 torch to you, our applicant families. As our final event, I hope you will join us for an evening of conversations, stories and opportunities for you to ask questions as they share how their experiences at 蜜桃视频 have prepared them for their next challenges and inspired them to make a difference. Watch your email for your invitation later this week. 

Maggie

Principal’s Message

Katrina Samson

With the start of 2022 well on its way, we鈥檙e pleased to welcome all of our students back on campus for in-person learning. Like many of you, we were also disappointed to shift to another period of remote learning; however, we forge ahead as we work, learn and play together at 蜜桃视频. The last two years have been challenging for all of us in many ways and we’re committed to our students鈥� wellbeing and supporting them during this unpredictable period.

As we are learning about and seeing the effects the pandemic has had on learning and development, we are paying special attention to how difficult this has been for our youngest learners. With this in mind, we are focused on supporting students in the development of key social skills, such as naming emotions and identifying what鈥檚 at the root of our feelings. These skills help ensure that our younger students are able to express emotions and share with the teachers, parents and caregivers how they are being impacted, enabling us to better respond to their needs.

Equipping our students with these necessary skills has been made possible with our great Social-Emotional and Learning Support Team, including the specialized skills of a Child and Youth Worker and a Social Worker. To provide additional social and emotional support, our teachers have spent a lot of time throughout the fall adapting their lessons in consideration of our students’ needs, and to meeting our students where they are at.

While this has been a challenging time for children, we鈥檙e aware that this has also been taxing on parents. As partners in your child鈥檚 education, we want to reassure you that鈥攚hile your child鈥檚 learning journey may look different than you expected鈥攚e will continue to adapt and evolve to ensure our students have both the support and skills they need. We鈥檒l also continue to support 蜜桃视频 parents in this ever-changing landscape. With that goal in mind, we are organizing a speaking engagement with Dr. Alex Russell (child psychologist and author of Drop the Worry Ball). Once confirmed, more details on this event will follow.

We鈥檝e learned that we can鈥檛 predict the changes to come, but 蜜桃视频鈥檚 faculty and staff are committed to being a constant support and resource for students and parents alike. With wellbeing and future-readiness at the core of our curriculum, we鈥檙e confident we will equip and empower 蜜桃视频 learners for whatever the future holds.

Katrina

Message from the Board of Governors

Debbie Simpson, Chair

It is my pleasure to offer New Year’s greetings to the 蜜桃视频 community from the Board of Governors. I wish you all happiness and good health in the coming year.

As we approach the end of the first semester, I鈥檇 like to note the commitment of our faculty and staff in delivering the best experience possible for all students has been unwavering. I would also like to thank our parent community for their confidence in trusting the College to safeguard their daughters鈥� learning and wellbeing, their belief in the value of a 蜜桃视频 education and their support of the school community. Our students have demonstrated remarkable resilience in adapting to this new and demanding environment with their support. 

At this time, I would like to remind everyone of the invitation from the Board of Governors to apply to serve on the Board or on a Board Committee, as mentioned last month. I encourage you to become involved. This year the committee is especially interested in identifying potential candidates with senior level experience in finance (CPA, CFO) and strategic change management as well as those with philanthropy/fundraising expertise. We are also very interested to hear from parents with students in the Junior School. The due date for applications has been extended to Friday, February 4, and all applications will be reviewed in February. Interviews will take place in March for those selected. More information can be found at /leadership-governance/board-governor-roles-responsibilities/. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at dksimpson@rogers.com.

As I look back on what we have accomplished so far this school year, I see our values at work. Thank you all for your efforts and support as we navigate through these trying times together.

Debbie Simpson

Supporting Student Wellbeing at the Junior School

Megan Robar and Sarah Szolopiak, JS Health & Physical Education Teachers

This year in the Junior School we have been continuing to grow our Wellbeing Program to meet the needs of the students at each age and stage. From connecting with emotions, creating inclusive classrooms, developing growth mindsets and embracing mistakes, the students have developed strong tool kits to support their own personal wellbeing. 

The Wellbeing Program is linked to our Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which has helped students dive deep into who they are and develop an understanding of the people in their community. In mid-November, we had the opportunity to implement Thrive Week, which provided students with different ways to foster and maintain positive mental health. The Five Thrive components that we focused on at the Junior School include: 

By the end of the week, the students had developed strategies to support all five components to flourish and build an understanding of who to rely on when their Five Thrive might not be enough. 

The concept of Thrive is something we will circle back to throughout the year as a way to enrich connection and build continued wellbeing support.

Learning and Growing in the New Junior School STEM Lab

Darryl Reiter, STEM Coordinator

The re-opening of the Junior School STEM Lab last fall was a welcome and long-awaited occasion. The former lab was closed in 2016 to accommodate the renovation of the Junior School and was relocated to the new wing in 2021. This modern space embodies the notion that the learning environment is the third teacher and comprises different zones for different instructional purposes.

At 1,400 sq. ft., the new space is double the previous lab and features a demonstration amphitheatre, mobile work desks, a whiteboard wall and a large outdoor learning area. A wall of windows overlooks the Burke Brook woodlands.

Students use the space for 60-minute STEM explorations, when they perform science investigations and design challenges.

Recent projects include:

The Junior School community is grateful for the generosity of our donors, who helped to make these new and inspiring spaces a reality.

Digital Wisdom

A Junior School Program Foundation for Thriving in the Digital Era

Adam Caplan, Director of HC-X

Kids growing up in the digital era face unique challenges and opportunities that require a new kind of approach. Enter HC-X鈥撁厶沂悠碘�檚 Innovation Hub鈥揳nd our innovative course, Digital Wisdom. Informed by research from the World Economic Forum and the OECD, this program is part of the school鈥檚 Strategic Direction,. 

At 蜜桃视频, Digital Wisdom is a course that runs over four years鈥揻rom Grades 5 to 8鈥搘ith the goal of building students鈥� knowledge, skills and mindsets with increasing complexity and sophistication as they grow. Students learn to navigate various opportunities and reflect on the challenges of digital culture and the impacts on their online and in-person lives. 

Through Digital Wisdom, students in Grades 5 and 6 get to know their rights and responsibilities as Digital Citizens. They build an understanding of personal information and privacy and they begin to actively steward their digital footprint. By investigating the impacts of disruptive technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, students become equipped with the tools to adapt and thrive no matter what the future brings.

Now in its second year, Digital Wisdom weaves together to build a foundation for thriving in the digital era. 

Cissy Goodridge 

Director of Performing Arts

Cissy is passionate about the Performing Arts. She has taught instrumental (band) and vocal music for 30 years in both single-sex and co-ed independent schools in Toronto, Oakville and Australia. In her Director of Performing Arts role at 蜜桃视频, she works with the Arts faculty to create dynamic programs for the entire school. 

Cissy holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts Mus. Ed from Western University and a Masters in Education from the University of Victoria. She has worked with students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 and finds joy in helping students find their musical voices. She has a passion for the middle years, and strives to create lessons and programs that inspire and ignite a love of music.

In addition to leading the school’s Performing Arts Program, Cissy is also supporting the Admissions team this year. 鈥淲orking with the Admissions team gives me a front row seat to the newest members of our community,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 enjoy the opportunity to meet with students from all around the world with varied interests and a curiosity for learning. I feel privileged to be involved in this process.鈥� 

She looks forward to making connections with many of our applicant families during the Admissions process and inspiring future 蜜桃视频ians to discover their talents through the Performing Arts.

Message from Admissions

Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management

Thank you to all of the families who joined us for our Campus Visit Day on Friday, October 22. It was fantastic to welcome over 200 families and watch them explore our campus in the sunshine while they spoke with our Grads. It was particularly nice for the Admission Team to be able to connect with families in-person, hear about your experiences and answer your questions. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the joy that we experience being a part of the 蜜桃视频 community.

As you read through this edition of 蜜桃视频 Highlights, you may notice a sense of optimism that comes through. This is not a feeling that just happens; it is a part of our deliberate, thoughtful, data-based approach to wellbeing that wraps around our academic program and all that we do as a school. We are a school that is driven by our mission鈥�preparing young women to make a difference鈥攁nd our values of integrity, inquiry, compassion and courage. We consistently put the students at the centre of our decision-making so a focus on wellbeing, in conjunction with our rigorous academic program, allows us to continue to educate women who are prepared to make a difference, to live with compassion, integrity and courage and who have an inquiry mindset as they discover their own skills, passions and talents and use them for good in the world.

I hope you continue to enjoy our virtual events as much as we are enjoying connecting with you. Our Admission Prefects, Hannah and Paris, are really looking forward to their student event In Their Own Words on Tuesday, November 16, where they and their classmates will discuss their 蜜桃视频 journeys, the highlights and lessons learned and why they are proud to be members of the Class of 2022. Registration is now open on our Virtual Admission Centre.

Maggie

A Focus on Wellbeing

Meagan Yarmey, Director of Wellbeing

Although much has been written about wellbeing there is no single, agreed-upon definition. Many definitions refer to the presence of positive emotions (e.g. happy) and the absence of negative emotions (e.g. sad), as well as a sense of satisfaction with one鈥檚 life. Other interpretations suggest that the fulfillment of three psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) are the foundation of individual wellbeing. Flourishing, a term often used interchangeably with wellbeing, means to live within an optimal range of human functioning, encompassing qualities such as goodness, generosity, growth and resilience. As you can see, there are many different definitions to wellbeing and thus different approaches. 

What all the researchers agree on is that there is growing evidence that children鈥檚 wellbeing and achievement are positively associated. Student wellbeing, engagement and academic success are intertwined with gains in one area dramatically benefiting the other two. Our strategic approach to student wellbeing at 蜜桃视频 unites the development of both academic achievement and wellbeing into one comprehensive complementary pursuit. We have been designing and implementing a whole-school approach to wellbeing where we focus on wellness connected to academics in our day-to-day academic curriculum and co-curricular programming. Across grade levels, learning is happening within caring, empathetic and responsive environments with the overarching goal of developing cognitive and emotional resources for our students so they can be flexible and efficient learners. At the same time, they are gaining personal insight and awareness, honing lifelong social skills and building their resiliency mindsets by gaining greater self-confidence and agency to make positive life choices.

Our emphasis on supporting wellbeing extends beyond the dedicated time in the Junior School and Form Advisory in the Upper School through special speakers, programs and activities. One such activity is the upcoming Thrive Week (November 22 to 26). Working alongside the Wellbeing Prefects and student leaders, the Wellbeing department has planned keynote speakers on resilience and positive mental health. Over the week, students will be exploring “five golden rules” of helping a friend in distress as they learn more about mental health and wellbeing. The five golden rules are as follows: Say What You See; Show You Care; Hear Them Out; Know Your Role; and Connect to Help. As we continue to develop our understanding of the relationship between wellbeing and academic success, we will adjust our programming to support our students as they move through the grades. Our end goal is to have students who are academically successful and flourishing in all aspects of their lives. 

Athletics Return to 蜜桃视频

US Athletic Director Carla DiFilippo and JS Athletic Director Anna Bartlett

Athletics at 蜜桃视频 are keeping our students active this term. Junior School students have a wide range of athletic co-curricular opportunities scheduled during the school day and there are many before and after school athletic programs for students in Grades 3 to 6. In the fall, teams include Soccer, Basketball, Cross Country and Jump Rope. These teams are developing lifelong physical skills and are enjoying being competitive amongst each other.

In the Upper School there has been a smooth transition back to competitive sports through the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA). On top of our traditional sports, we鈥檝e added a few new offerings such as tennis instruction and disc golf. This fall, our Rowing team participated in the Head of the Trent and we had more than 80 students participate in our fall Learn to Row Program. It’s been a gift to watch our athletes take to the fields again!

Encouraging Confidence and Nurturing Agency

The Learning Support Team

The Learning Support Team recognizes the individuality of each student and knows that every student learns in different ways. We aim to develop self-knowledge in students as learners as we encourage confidence and nurture their agency. We support every student to be their own person, challenge themselves and celebrate successes.

The Learning Support Team works in collaboration with faculty, families and clinical service providers to monitor student growth and provide interventions and accommodations that target specific learning and social/emotional needs. They consult with teachers to effectively differentiate their instruction for all students, provide individualized interventions for some students and support the implementation of accommodations for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). 

In the Junior School, early and intensive interventions are provided to students who may require additional support to meet grade level learning objectives. When students transition into the Middle School, the focus shifts to proactively supporting students through strategies designed to build their executive functioning skills, study skills and self-advocacy skills. As students move into the Senior School and prepare for post-secondary education, they build self-advocacy skills, develop an individualized toolkit of assistive technology and refine their executive functioning skills.

Creative Engagement Through The Performing Arts

Cissy Goodridge, Director of Performing Arts

The Performing Arts are alive and well at HC! This fall, the Junior School is running several arts programs including: Drama, Learn to Play Band, Steelpan Drumming and Dance. Students have  enjoyed returning to their private music lessons, which are being held in our new music practice rooms. This multipurpose room has given the students a wonderful space to practise with their ensembles. In the coming weeks, we look forward to giving you a virtual glimpse of what they have been learning.

In the Upper School, we have welcomed new and returning students to all Performing Arts Programs. Whether it’s singing in the choir, playing an instrument or learning a dance or a new character, you will find students rehearsing before and after school each day. They are enjoying engaging in their passions while connecting with their fellow performers. In-person private music instruction is available to students who are interested in learning new skills or improving their current skills.

The Upper School Guidance Program

Heather Johnstone, Head of Guidance

We are fortunate at 蜜桃视频 to have a team of six skilled and experienced Guidance Counsellors who work with other members of the Wellbeing Team to support our students’ needs within the Upper School. The Guidance Program is typically delivered through the Wednesday Form and Advisor Time in the morning and includes age and stage appropriate content on key topics relevant to students around course planning, university planning, managing relationships, social/emotional learning, executive function skills and transition skills. 

Alongside the group sessions, counsellors often meet one-on-one with students to address specific needs and questions they may have. In Grades 7, 8 and 9, counsellors arrange meetings throughout the year in addition to students always being able to book their own time by emailing their counsellor or stopping by the office. In Grades 10 and 11, we push students to be self-starters and to seek these meetings when they have questions. For students who do not come in on their own, we invite them for a check-in. 

We really want to create a sense of self-advocacy in our students as some require a lot of support while others are very content and capable of navigating the school landscape and do not wish to come in often. Our hope is that, by Grade 12, students are working with the resources that are put in front of them, working alongside their Guidance Counsellor and navigating their final year feeling confident in their own capacity and ability to seek answers to questions they may have of their counsellors. This will prove to be a very necessary skill for them as they transition to university the following year. Each grade has a Guidance class page on their Veracross Portal. This class is visible to parents and contains the information that was covered that week as well as any other relevant, guidance-related information (for example, the Grade 11 and 12 portal has a calendar of university admissions information sessions designed for senior students; the Grade 9 and 10 page provides some downloadable organizational resources and planners). 

Guidance Counsellors are always available to the students in this building to help with everything from the day-to-day problems common to all teenagers to the navigation of specific, individual problems or questions students have. It is important for students to reach out and, likewise, if parents have a concern or question, the Guidance Team is always happy to answer those queries directly on the phone, over email or (hopefully someday soon) in person. 

Relational, Social and Emotional Support

By Katelyn Kitson, MSW RSW (she/her), Upper School Social Worker

As the Upper School Social Worker, I have the privilege of getting to work alongside, learn from and support students in the 蜜桃视频 community. My role includes providing students with short-term counselling to support them with any relational, social and/or emotional concerns that may be affecting their wellbeing and mental health and/or impacting their ability to learn and excel at school. For example, I might support young people in developing their coping skills to better manage stressful day-to-day circumstances, which can manifest as anxiety and/or depression symptoms. 

Alongside this targeted work, I work with students to help them gain insight into and strengthen peer and family relationships. I have the unique privilege of learning about the strengths, narratives, insights and knowledge of our students on a daily basis. Students often come to see me when they feel they need a safe and confidential space to explore their emotions, in addition to learning new strategies and tools to support them in navigating various experiences. When appropriate, I help direct students to community resources and/or referrals to counselling/clinical professionals within the GTA for ongoing and longer-term support. 

In my social work practice, I draw upon attachment-centred, narrative therapy, trauma-focused and cognitive behavioural modalities. I deeply value prioritizing relationship-building while supporting young people in finding their worth and recognizing their strengths. Overall, I am incredibly passionate about fostering safe, secure and empowering relationships with students and am grateful to be a part of the 蜜桃视频 community.

Learning and Growing Through DEI

鈥淭he strength and beauty of 蜜桃视频 lies in our ability to authentically value and systemically serve the pluralistic identities of our students and staff,鈥� explained Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Manager Ms. Raagini Appadurai at Upper School Prayers on Monday, October 4.

Highlighting that pursuing DEI and social justice at 蜜桃视频 means that the school community commits to being constant 鈥渓earners and unlearners every day,鈥� Ms. Appadurai has worked with faculty to create spaces for dialogue and action through Affinity Groups, Alliance Groups and Brave Spaces designed for Upper School students. “For these groups to be impactful and serve their intended need, the learning around identity, intersectionality and discrimination for everyone in the community (not just those who are racialized or marginalized) must be ongoing.”

Ms. Appadurai encourages everyone to be a part of these opportunities. “We hope that the 蜜桃视频 community is proud and excited to be a part of a school that is committed to learning how to better care for all its students in the ways they need so that we can thrive together,” she says.

HCPA Fundraising鈥擧ow and Why

In a spring edition of Inside 蜜桃视频, we shared some of the reasons behind our support of the school鈥檚 mission and through our fundraising initiatives. 

Our multi-year pledge in support of the Limitless Campaign is a continuation of our partnership, helping the school to foster an environment in which our daughters develop the skills needed to thrive in the future and keep pace in a rapidly-changing world. We have designated part of our gift toward student financial assistance as a way to help make a 蜜桃视频 education more accessible.

We would like to share some of the ways that we will be fulfilling our mandate this year. In addition to traditional fundraisers such as the Used Textbook Return and sales of 蜜桃视频 branded items on our Marketplace (including the much loved 蜜桃视频 Lazypants), we are pleased to introduce new online fundraisers to complement our efforts.  

FlipGive

With FlipGive, the HCPA offers 蜜桃视频 “Friends and Family” the opportunity to buy e-gift cards and/or and purchase everyday items from over 700 retail brands. Popular brands include: Starbucks, Best Buy, Esso, Sportchek, Sephora and Apple.  

FlipGive will give a percentage of every purchase you make to the HCPA. Use to raise funds for HCPA FlipGive. Please note: you do not have to sign up with FlipGive to purchase gift cards or shop online. 

Indigo FUNraiser

We are pleased to introduce the HCPA Indigo FUNraiser. This is the perfect way to shop for the book lover on your list as well as to stock up on specialty items that make great host/hostess gifts. In case you need some inspiration, 蜜桃视频鈥檚 Librarians have shared their with us! 

Kick-off your holiday shopping at Indigo by to shop for books, toys, gifts and games for the whole family. A percentage of purchases made using this link will go towards the HCPA fundraising goals.

HCPA Holiday Marketplace鈥擟oming Soon!

Given the success of our Holiday Marketplace last year, we have decided to reprise the Holiday Giving Made Simple sale. Watch for further details in upcoming communications鈥攜ou won鈥檛 want to miss this opportunity to purchase specially-curated gift items for everyone on your holiday list.  

Dr. Meagan Yarmey

Director of Wellbeing

Dr. Yarmey is an insightful clinician, researcher and educator with more than 20 years of experience in higher education and the private sector. Her background includes research and evaluation, health promotion and clinical treatment, and various leadership capacities within the mental and behavioural health and wellbeing sector. In addition to a PhD in Social Psychology from York University, her academic credentials include a Master鈥檚 of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier, a Master鈥檚 degree in Community Psychology from the University of Toronto (OISE) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph.

In her most recent role as Lead, Content Development, Mental Health Literacy Certificate at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Yarmey led the content development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation framework for the campus-wide Mental Health Literacy Certificate. She was also a Counsellor at the University of Waterloo providing crisis, single session, individual and group psychotherapy to undergraduate and graduate students. Her exemplary research background, combined with extensive subject matter expertise and experience, positions her to integrate wellbeing research and practice within our school setting.

Message from Admissions

Maggie Houston-White, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management

With the new school year well underway, the community is thoroughly enjoying being back on campus and engaged in all things 蜜桃视频. While we have always appreciated the breadth of programming at the school, it has been special indeed to hear music ringing through the halls and to have the opportunity to cheer on our sports teams on all three of our playing fields. We are thankful to all of our community members for making this such a great start, but in particular we are grateful for our faculty. Our Principal, Dr. Katrina Samson, shared on World Teacher Appreciation Day, which says it all.  

I hope you have had a chance to visit our Virtual Admission Centre to register for our upcoming events. We are so pleased to be able to invite our prospective families to visit our campus through our Beyond the Ivy day on Friday, October 22 and to join us for all of our events over the coming months as we help you navigate the admission process and discover the 蜜桃视频 difference. You can learn more about our process and our upcoming events here. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of 蜜桃视频 Highlights鈥攆rom meeting our new Principal, to the return to campus to the innovative programming in HC-X, we have much to share.  

This admission season will be a special one in these new times, with many opportunities for you to discover how your daughter will thrive at 蜜桃视频. We are looking forward to getting to know you and your family in the coming months.

Be well,

Maggie

Join Us for Our Virtual Open Houses

We look forward to hosting prospective families at our series of Virtual Open Houses, which are designed to highlight our programs, people and community. Each Open House will provide families with the opportunity to hear from students and faculty members about what makes 蜜桃视频 unique.

Junior School: Tuesday, October 19, 9 am.

Grade 7: Tuesday, October 26, 7 pm.

Grade 9: Tuesday, October 19, 7 pm.

Boarding School: Tuesday, November 16, 8 am.

Announcing 蜜桃视频鈥檚 New Website

We are pleased to announce the launch of 蜜桃视频鈥檚 newly designed website. This refreshed online presence puts the user experience first and is designed to attract new families; communicate the value of a 蜜桃视频 education; attract top talent; be accessible by all people; and reflect HC鈥檚 values, program and brand. 

Our new site is built on WordPress with a design that is responsive, making it easy for visitors to access information on a variety of platforms, from mobile devices to desktop computers. When you visit, you will notice that the 蜜桃视频 narrative is more cohesive and visually appealing, supported by an updated navigation system, and the content is organized by school (Junior, Middle, Upper and Boarding Schools). There is an intentional call to action to apply now and the benefits of our second-to-none education are highlighted on designated grade pages. 

For prospective families looking to join our community, information about the admission process and requirements is tailored to ensure a seamless enrollment experience. We are also very proud that our new site is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), meeting and exceeding World Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standards.

The Communications and Marketing team would like to thank the select parents, current and prospective students, faculty and staff who participated in our user testing and contributed content.

Inside the HC-X Innovation Hub

HC-X is the hub for the development and delivery of innovative teaching and learning. As an integral part of 蜜桃视频鈥檚 Strategic Direction鈥斺�攖he HC-X team and the programming developed within represents the future-ready mindsets, strategies and learning experiences that will be a differentiator for 蜜桃视频 students and faculty. 

This fall, we launched the second year of our Digital Wisdom Course for students in Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. This course is a personalized, responsive learning experience that supports students in navigating a digitally-mediated world while maintaining a stable concept of identity and values. The course design incorporates Wellbeing and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as key outcomes.  

HC-X also leads a team of Junior and Upper School Faculty through the development of a Blended Learning Model that prioritizes student agency through the use of blended learning practices. 

蜜桃视频鈥檚 Global Learning & Leading Diploma is an innovative, application-based program from HC-X that provides student-driven experiences in which they develop and practise global knowledge, skills and mindsets, combined with experiential learning. Students gain a foundation to deal with complexities and tackle their big questions using transdisciplinary approaches and supported by strong Faculty mentorship. 

At 蜜桃视频鈥檚 HC-X, the future of education is being designed with intention, applying research and consultation within and outside the educational sectors, to find ourselves as we pursue the North Star of HC 2020+.

The College Blog

蜜桃视频鈥檚 Heads of Schools distribute key messages to parents about school life through The College Blog. The Upper School message will come out every other Friday and the Junior School message will be published weekly on Fridays (or the last day of school, in case of a Professional Development day or a holiday). The Heads of Schools will send out a link to parents/guardians of the most current message, which will include previous issues if you continue to scroll down. 

Junior School Blog:

Upper School Blog:  

The Blog provides information specific to each school (Junior School and Upper School) that is pertinent to daily school life (such as up-to-date operational information, invitations to events, important dates and deadlines). Stay current by reading and bookmarking it.

Meet Our Faculty & Staff

Dr. Katrina Samson, Principal

Katrina Samson is a vibrant, passionate educator who is committed to a student-centred approach. She held the role of Head of School at Appleby College since 2010 and previously held positions as Director of the Upper School and Assistant Head of School, Student Life while teaching English literature throughout her tenure. 

Her energy and enthusiasm underpin her solid professional credentials. Dr. Samson has an impressive educational background with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Queen鈥檚 University and continues her involvement with the school as a member of the Queen鈥檚 University Council. Her post-graduate studies include a Master鈥檚 degree from the University of Ottawa and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Toronto. Her dissertation and research focused on leadership and succession planning in Canadian independent schools. 

A strong advocate for the advancement of women and children, she has carried her passion to her volunteer role as a board member for Armagh (a transitional housing and support program for women who have suffered domestic abuse), and as a co-teacher of the 鈥淲omen in Leadership鈥� module for the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools Leadership Institute. 

Her life experiences as an established educator with a focus on innovation, wellbeing and experiential learning鈥攃ombined with her passion for creating leadership structures that allow for the growth and development of leaders within schools鈥攊s an asset for the 蜜桃视频 community. 

Grad Profile: Meet Alexa Daniel, Class of 2021

Attending Western University for Music Administrative Studies

Never shy to take the stage, Alexa developed a passion for music during her 11 years at 蜜桃视频. Whether she was singing with the Choir, performing at Prayers or bringing down the house with the national anthem on Hockey Day, she feels most alive when she鈥檚 entertaining a crowd. Post-graduation, Alexa continues to build her portfolio in the music industry at Western University鈥檚 Music Administrative Studies, the only university program in Canada of this kind, where she was fortunate to receive the Music Scholarship of Merit. 鈥淢y Guidance Counsellor introduced me to the idea of studying Music Administrative Studies, which is a great fit for me because I am eager to continue performing, but I鈥檇 also like to know more about what happens behind-the scenes,鈥� she says. As she discovers more about careers in production, distribution, recording and touring in her studies, she is eager to find her specialization in the field. Usually a male-dominated industry, Alexa hopes to break the glass ceiling for women working in music administration. 鈥淚t鈥檚 time for change鈥攚e need more female representation and I鈥檓 ready to make a difference.鈥�